Seeing gender and ethnicity at work

![CDATA[In this case study of a small metals manufacturing workplace, we draw links between gender identity and how it is enacted. We examine gender in terms of three inter-related layers. Firstly, we examine expressions of masculinity as 'class' by comparing management and working class stories. Secondly, the reproduction of gender identities through work processes is considered. We found that working class masculine and feminine identities were sustained through ceremonies and rituals embedded in work processes despite ostensible similarities between men and women in terms of work performed, classification and renumeration. Thirdly we examine the impact of age and ethnicity clusters on gender identity. Amongst the blue collar workers, age clusters included married with children, mature women and young, unmarried males. Three different ethnic clusters were evident, Filipina, Anglo and second-generation migrants. Teasing apart these differences reveals systemic discriminations that are embedded in an Anglo hierarchy that can be described as both hegemonic and symbolically constructed.]]